8Bit/Digi

The Games We Got to Sample

The weekend at Anime Expo 2023 was not just about learning what is new in the anime world. It was also a chance to play some upcoming video games. During the weekend, I got to try some titles that are set to launch soon or have been out for sometime.

Video games on display ranged from highly anticipated JRPG’s and fighting games to unique mobile games. These titles could be enjoyed on the expo floor. These are some of the games I got to check out during Anime Expo 2023.

On the Expo Floor

CRYMACHINA is set in a world in which humans have gone extinct. A group of androids (known as Dei ex Machina) are tasked with resurrecting them. The demo session presented allowed players to experience the tutorial, which introduces players to the gameplay mechanics and the world. 

Sword Art Online: Last Recollection is the video game adaptation of the “War of Underworld” arc. The demo has Kirito, Eugeo, Alice, and Dorothy exploring a dungeon and confronting several scythe-tallied scorpions. The early part of the stage allows players to build up their skills before having to confront the boss. My experience was with the PlayStation 5 version of the game. 

With its launch on the horizon, players at Anime Expo got the chance to sample The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie. The latest entry brings together Lloyd Bannings, Rean Schwarzer along with the mysterious C to stop a sinister entity from reigning havoc upon the world. The demo presented allowed players to experience the start of the Schwarzer story. Check out our review of the game to have a better idea about it.

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless follows the journey of Fuji and Pirilika as they set off to battle a tyrannical regime. The demo has players engage in a boss fight as a means to showcase some of the new gameplay mechanics. Key among them is the “Gigantism” feature that turns a party member into a giant (which is needed to defeat the boss). 

Snowbreak: Containment Zone is an upcoming free-to-play game set to launch for the PC and mobile devices. Set during an invasion of Earth, players take command of a squad to save the world. In the demo presented, players set up their squad and battled a level boss. 

The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails follows the journey of Nayuta Herschel who sets out to explore the world beyond his homeland. During Anime Expo, I got to sample the game on the Nintendo Switch. I got a firsthand look at its hack’n slash combat system along with its mix of platformer gameplay. 

Phantom Breaker: Omnia is a 2-D style fighting game that was available to play (via PlayStation 4) at the Rocket Panda Games booth. The game features 20 playable characters with gameplay designed around three different styles. Going against another player, it had its challenges at first but once you learn the key combos you will become a pro in battle.

Did you get a chance to check out any of these games at Anime Expo 2023? If so then share your story in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: Anime Expo provided me with a pass for the weekend

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.